About Glen Beach
Somewhat secluded and poorly sign posted, Glen Beach is listed as one of the best ‘secret beaches’ in Cape Town. While supposedly secret, it’s a popular hang out for Surfers and locals that want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Camps Bay or Clifton’s Beaches and it can get pretty busy in the summer months.
Glen beach is located in the upmarket beach-front suburb of Camps Bay which is an approximate 7-8Km drive from the Cape Town City Centre via Kloof Nek. The beach is hidden from view, from the road by the luxury homes and vegetation surrounding it. It is also nestled between some large granite boulders and dunes separating it from Maiden’s Cove to the north and Camps Bay Beach at it’s southern end.
Parking at Glen Beach is limited to the small parking lot found at the intersection of Lower Kloof Road and Victoria Road and/or street parking along Victoria Road in the designated bays (again, limited). In the busy summer months, it is usually best to find parking in and around Camps Bay and then walk to the beach. Parking in non-designated areas will result in a parking fine or the vehicle being towed by traffic officials.
This small secluded beach offers soft white sand and stunning blue waters with consistent waves averaging between 2-6 feet, which is why it’s so popular with the Surfers. Be warned that it can be dangerous during high swells and not the best place for beginner surfers.
Glen Beach is also situated within a sheltered cove due to the granite boulders surrounding it and is somewhat protected from the wind, in certain spots, but it can be miserable when their are strong winds. It is a great beach on which to suntan and chill-out, particularly in the late morning and afternoon.
Beach Features
- Public Toilets
- White Sandy Beach
- Parking (Limited or Street Parking)
Beach Activities
- Surfing
- Swimming (Not recommended) *
- Beach Volley Ball
- Sunbathing
- Dog Walking **
* SWIMMING – It is recommended that you don’t swim at Glen Beach due to the strong waves and rip currents, but by all means a little frolic in the shore break to cool off is great. If you do get caught in a rip current, swim cross current until you can get to shore or call for help. Don’t swim when their is nobody else around!
** DOG WALKING – This is one of those beaches were one can walk your dog, but restrictions are in place. No Dogs are allowed on the beach from 09:00-18:00 from November to March. Please pick-up their poop!
Additional Information
Similar to Clifton’s Beaches, Glen Beach is backed by luxury homes and access to the beach is via some rather well hidden access points between the homes. While not as steep as the stairs at Clifton’s Beaches, they can be slippery and sometimes over-grown in places.
An alternative access point is to approach the beach from Camps Bay, crossing over the dunes that rest on the granite boulders at the northern end of Camps Bay Beach. At low-tide one can also walk around the boulders!
While Glen Beach is one of the better Surfing Spots in Cape Town, it is also known for its spectacular sunsets and sunset picnics when it’s not too windy. Late afternoon beach goers often frequent the many bars and restaurants in Camps Bay after a day of Surfing or Suntanning.
For those that have the budget, there are several luxury accommodation options available within “the glen” or in neighbouring Camps Bay or Clifton.
Source: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
